Production & Inventory Lead

Location : Phoenix, AZ
Schedule : Full-time, includes weekends
Compensation : $55,000–$60,000/year

Role Overview

The Production & Inventory Lead is a hands-on, operational role responsible for inventory accuracy, warehouse organization, and production visibility across the bakery. This position bridges warehouse operations and production oversight to ensure product moves smoothly from ingredients → production → freezer → packaging.

This role does not supervise staff, lead production, or perform baking. On days when the Bakery Manager is off, this role serves as the primary operational point of contact and ensures policies and procedures are followed.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory & Warehouse Operations (≈50%)

• Receive, check in, rotate, and properly store all deliveries (including Sysco).
• Maintain accurate freezer, cooler, and dry storage inventory.
• Ensure FIFO rotation, labeling, and organized storage at all times.
• Track ingredient, packaging, and frozen product levels and flag shortages early.
• Maintain freezer inventory accuracy and communicate gaps or risks.
• Ensure packaging areas are stocked and production-ready.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards in all storage areas.

Production Flow & Readiness (≈25%)

• Monitor daily production progress to confirm teams are on track.
• Maintain awareness of where product is in the production cycle (in production, frozen, ready).
• Ensure production teams have the ingredients, freezer stock, and packaging they need.
• Identify inventory or flow issues that could impact production timelines.
• Communicate clearly with production and leadership when adjustments are needed.
• No baking, recipe execution, or quality control responsibilities.

Operational Coverage, Communication & Policy Enforcement (≈25%)

• Serve as the primary operational contact on days the Bakery Manager is scheduled off.
• Monitor email and 7Shifts for escalations (including Black Rock or operational issues).
• Observe and enforce general operational policies, including GMP compliance, sanitation standards, and appropriate staff behavior (e.g., phone use)—without serving as a direct supervisor or assigning tasks.
• Respond to and escalate urgent inventory, production, or policy issues to leadership.
• Support weekend operations and ensure continuity across departments.

Systems & Administrative Support

• Track inventory movement and maintain accuracy in internal systems.
• Conduct regular inventory counts and reconcile discrepancies.
• Maintain receiving logs and basic inventory documentation.
• Use tools such as spreadsheets, email, and 7Shifts for tracking and communication.
• Support audits and adherence to warehouse and inventory SOPs.

Requirements

• 2–5 years of experience in inventory management, warehouse operations, or production environments
• Food production or manufacturing experience preferred (bakery experience not required)
• Strong organizational skills and follow-through
• Clear communicator comfortable escalating issues early
• Comfortable working in freezer environments and lifting up to 50 lbs
• Reliable availability for weekend shifts
• Comfortable using basic inventory tools, spreadsheets, and communication platforms

Benefits

• Stable, full-time position in a growing bakery operation
• Eligibility for Benefits on the 1st of the month following 60 days of Full Time employment
• Opportunity to contribute directly to food safety and quality
• Team-oriented environment with training and growth opportunities